Chapter 49: Eijun's Dilemma
The fatigue from the training camp, combined with the ongoing school semester and the pressure of final exams, weighed heavily on Eijun. But what concerned him the most was the issue with Tanba, leaving him feeling both mentally and physically exhausted.
The upcoming event, just two days away, left Eijun feeling conflicted and troubled.
Should he try to prevent the issue with Tanba? Of course, he should. What? Wonder if Tanba getting injured opens up opportunities for him to play? While it's true that in the original story, Tanba's injury directly increased the playtime for two first-year players, Eijun saw that kind of opportunity as risking the team's future.
In the original story, they couldn't foresee such events, so there was little choice. But now that Eijun knew there's a high chance of this happening, he absolutely had to try to stop it. Otherwise, he'd feel guilty for not doing anything.
As for playtime opportunities?
Eijun believed that earning recognition from the coach through his abilities and being chosen to play was the right and honorable path!
Therefore, he had to intervene in this matter.
Preventing Tanba's injury wasn't just about preserving Tanba's crucial role on the team but also about the deep bonds between teammates of the same year.
In the original story, Tanba's injury left the seniors in a somber mood. During the finals, Tetsu resolutely said to Tanba,
"We'll definitely get you back on the field."
Such determination showed the different significance Tanba had for the seniors.
Over their three years in high school baseball, the teammates you trust and rely on the most are those from the same class, who are your closest comrades. It wasn't about favoritism; it was about the deep trust and bond developed over time.
In this regard, neither Eijun nor Furuya could compare.
Even Kawakami was not quite on the same level.
"But what on earth should I do!!!!"
Eijun threw himself onto his desk, showing his utter frustration. The most straightforward method was to prevent Tanba from playing in the game against Shuhuko, thus eliminating the risk entirely.
However, while this seemed direct, it was scarcely feasible. It wasn't like Eijun could just tell Coach Kataoka or Tanba,
"You will definitely get seriously injured in this match, so skip it."
Saying something like that would certainly make Eijun seem irrational.
The next best option would be for Eijun to take the initiative when Coach Kataoka was assigning players. He could volunteer for the Shuhuko game spot, allowing Tanba to avoid the risk.
Yet, there was a problem with this approach as well.
Would the coach agree? Approaching the coach to request playtime? Never mind whether Eijun had the courage for it, Coach Kataoka is known for being firm and unwavering in his decisions.
"Sigh... it's really a headache…"
The least effective option would be to subtly remind Tanba to be cautious and avoid injury during the game. It had the highest practicality but was likely the least effective.
"Creak"
"What's bothering you? Shouldn't your whole body be sore instead?"
Just as Eijun was deep in his troubled thoughts, the door suddenly opened, and Kuramochi appeared in front of him.
"Uh, Kuramochi-senpai…" Eijun was slightly taken aback.
"Why are you back so late today?" Eijun asked in confusion. Even during training camp, the evening sessions usually didn't go on too long and would end by around 9 PM. Athletes needed to watch their fatigue levels; anything beyond that limit wouldn't be training but rather physical exhaustion. In this regard, the Seidou coaching staff set the training camp's intensity at just the right level.
Except for the first-year duo; Eijun had relatively good stamina.
Furuya and Haruichi didn't fare as well. By the second day of camp, their movements already started becoming stiff, unable to execute as precisely as they did on the first day.
Eijun was relatively better off, which amazed everyone.
At least when it came to stamina, Eijun had a considerable advantage.
Back to the point, the training routines and schedules were set to an optimal standard.
It was nearly impossible to exceed this standard.
Furthermore, even the current intensity was already quite demanding. After four days of intense training, the third-year seniors were nearing their limits.
They weren't superhuman, and their stamina had limits too.
Even Masuko-senpai was already sound asleep, his thunderous snores attesting to his exhaustion.
So when Kuramochi returned at this late hour, past 10:30 p.m. and just before lights-out, it was quite peculiar.
"Hmph, are you that idle? Mind your own business about your seniors," Kuramochi huffed.
However, his somewhat guilty demeanor made Eijun suspicious.
"What were you worrying about earlier?" Kuramochi asked while changing clothes, obviously trying to shift the topic.
At this point, even though Eijun knew Kuramochi was avoiding the question, he also understood that it was best not to provoke Kuramochi's temperamental personality.
Otherwise, he was sure to regret it later. Eijun thought with a bit of apprehension.
Only two months into school, Eijun already felt somewhat traumatized by this senior, both physically and mentally, with a strict internal rule not to rile up Kuramochi Youichi.
This guy was the type who would rather use his fists than words.
"Um, I just had some questions about practice," Eijun said, quickly finding an excuse to deflect, knowing he couldn't really share what he had been thinking about earlier.
"Hmph, is that so?" Kuramochi grunted but didn't press further.
"By the way, I ran into Miyuki earlier. You're the starting pitcher for the day after tomorrow's practice game against Osaka Kiryu," Kuramochi mentioned as he finished changing, bringing up something that made Eijun pause.
And there was something odd about his tone, and his expression was peculiar too.
"Kiryu?" Eijun blinked, surprised.
In the original story, Eijun had indeed played against Kiryu, but it was a relay match with Furuya. This time, given Coach Kataoka's approach, it seemed likely that each pitcher would complete a full game.
Being chosen to start against Kiryu changed the significance entirely.
Didn't you notice Kuramochi's strange look?
Kiryu was the runner-up in last summer's national tournament.
Sending a first-year pitcher against such a formidable team, let alone to pitch a full game, wasn't something typically expected. Coach Kataoka's decision in the original story had already shocked many.
This time, it would surprise even more people...
Eijun thought to himself with a wry smile.
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